In view of conflicting casualty figures released in emergency situations, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, has appealed that the Ministry of Health be the only organisation to release figures.
Onyebuchi Chukwu
Chukwu made the appeal on Friday when he visited the Wuse 2 bomb blast victims at Maitama, Wuse and Asokoro general hospitals as well as the National Hospital, Abuja.
“One problem we encounter is double counting, sometimes dead bodies could be scattered for want of space in the mortuary.
“So, I appeal to other agencies that participate in rescue to leave the number of casualties to the Minister of Health, we want to be sure we are not doing double counting.
“The rush to give the figure does not help anyone,’’ he said.
Chukwu said the overall figure of rescued persons at the Emab Plaza bomb blast was 53, while 21 were taken to hospital dead.
He expressed concern over the incident, saying the figure was quite high considering the time it happened.
Chukwu advised Nigerians to be more vigilant and be their brother’s keeper and promised that the victims would be given adequate care at the expense of the government.